Application device

ABSTRACT

An application device for applying a wide variety of lotions and creams to the body. The application device includes a head portion that includes a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the top and bottom walls such that a chamber is defined. The bottom wall includes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A solution is positioned in the chamber. A handle member is integrally coupled to a central portion of the top wall. The handle member includes a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbent member for absorbing the solution from the chamber through each of the holes in the bottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface of the bottom wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to lotion applicators and moreparticularly pertains to a new application device for applying a widevariety of lotions and creams to the body.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] The use of lotion applicators is known in the prior art. Morespecifically, lotion applicators heretofore devised and utilized areknown to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structuralconfigurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by thecrowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment ofcountless objectives and requirements.

[0005] Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 3,103,682; U.S. Pat. No.5,360,111; U.S. Pat. No. 4,483,356; U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,261; U.S. Pat.No. 4,381,766; U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,281; and U.S. Pat. No. Des 394,108.

[0006] While these devices fulfill their respective, particularobjectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclosea new application device. The inventive device includes a head portionincludes a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall andperipheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the top andbottom walls such that a chamber is defined. The bottom wall includes aplurality of holes extending therethrough. A solution is positioned inthe chamber. A handle member is integrally coupled to a central portionof the top wall. The handle member includes a first end, a second endand a peripheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbent member forabsorbing the solution from the chamber through each of the holes in thebottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface of the bottomwall.

[0007] In these respects, the application device according to thepresent invention substantially departs from the conventional conceptsand designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatusprimarily developed for the purpose of applying a wide variety oflotions and creams to the body.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the knowntypes of lotion applicators now present in the prior art, the presentinvention provides a new application device construction wherein thesame can be utilized for applying a wide variety of lotions and creamsto the body.

[0009] The general purpose of the present invention, which will bedescribed subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a newapplication device apparatus and method which has many of the advantagesof the lotion applicators mentioned heretofore and many novel featuresthat result in a new application device which is not anticipated,rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior artlotion applicators, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0010] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a headportion includes a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom walland peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between the topand bottom walls such that a chamber is defined. The bottom wallincludes a plurality of holes extending therethrough. A solution ispositioned in the chamber. A handle member is integrally coupled to acentral portion of the top wall. The handle member includes a first end,a second end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbentmember for absorbing the solution from the chamber through each of theholes in the bottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface ofthe bottom wall.

[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention in order that the detailed description thereofthat follows may be better understood, and in order that the presentcontribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additionalfeatures of the invention that will be described hereinafter and whichwill form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0012] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting.

[0013] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that theconception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilizedas a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systemsfor carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It isimportant, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including suchequivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spiritand scope of the present invention.

[0014] Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable theU.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, andespecially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art whoare not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determinequickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of thetechnical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neitherintended to define the invention of the application, which is measuredby the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of theinvention in any way.

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide anew application device apparatus and method which has many of theadvantages of the lotion applicators mentioned heretofore and many novelfeatures that result in a new application device which is notanticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of theprior art lotion applicators, either alone or in any combinationthereof.

[0016] It is another object of the present invention to provide a newapplication device which may be easily and efficiently manufactured andmarketed.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a newapplication device which is of a durable and reliable construction.

[0018] An even further object of the present invention is to provide anew application device which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacturewith regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is thensusceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, therebymaking such application device economically available to the buyingpublic.

[0019] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide anew application device which provides in the apparatuses and methods ofthe prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneouslyovercoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

[0020] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a newapplication device for applying a wide variety of lotions and creams tothe body.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a newapplication device which includes a head portion includes a first end, asecond end, a top wall, a bottom wall and peripheral edge integrallycoupled to and extending between the top and bottom walls such that achamber is defined. The bottom wall includes a plurality of holesextending therethrough. A solution is positioned in the chamber. Ahandle member is integrally coupled to a central portion of the topwall. The handle member includes a first end, a second end and aperipheral wall extending therebetween. An absorbent member forabsorbing the solution from the chamber through each of the holes in thebottom wall is securably attached to an outer surface of the bottomwall.

[0022] Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide anew application device that is compact and portable allowing it to beeasily carried. By having a telescoping handle, the present inventioncan be placed in carrying devices that would otherwise not accommodate along handled lotion applicator.

[0023] Even still another object of the present invention is to providea new application device that can be used by the elderly and handicappedto apply a wide variety of lotions, including medical lotions todifficult to reach parts of their bodies.

[0024] These together with other objects of the invention, along withthe various features of novelty which characterize the invention, arepointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming apart of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention,its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses,reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention will be better understood and objects other thanthose set forth above will become apparent when consideration is givento the following detailed description thereof. Such description makesreference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a new application deviceaccording to the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the present inventionshowing a head portion resting in a cover.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the presentinvention showing the handle member.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the presentinvention showing a lotion in the head portion.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the present inventionshowing another embodiment utilizing replaceable absorbent members andhaving a refillable head portion.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a schematic bottom view of the present invention showinga plurality of holes in a bottom wall of the head portion.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of the present inventionshowing the replaceable absorbent member being attached to the headportion.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the presentinvention taken along line 8-8.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1through 8 thereof, a new application device embodying the principles andconcepts of the present invention and generally designated by thereference numeral 10 will be described.

[0035] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, the application device10 generally comprises a head portion 12. The head portion 12 includes afirst end 13, a second end 14, a top wall 15, a bottom wall 16 andperipheral edge 17 integrally coupled to and extending between the topand bottom walls such that a chamber 18 is defined. The bottom wall 16includes a plurality of holes 19 extending therethrough. The peripheraledge 17 tapers from the second end 14 to the first end 13. A solution ispositioned in the chamber 18 during the manufacturing of the invention.The solution may be any type of lotion, cream or liquid soap that caneasily flow through the plurality of holes 19.

[0036] The application device 10 also includes a handle member 20. Thehandle member 20 includes a first end 22, a second end 23 and aperipheral wall 24 extending therebetween. The first end 22 of thehandle member 20 is integrally coupled to a central portion of the topwall 15. The handle member 20 is telescoping such that a plurality ofhandle member sections 25 is defined. In an embodiment each of thesections 25 is extendably positionable in one of an adjacent sections25.

[0037] Each of the sections 25 comprises a tubular member 27. Each ofthe tubular members 27 includes a first end 28 and a second end 29. Thesecond end 29 includes an opening 30 extending therein. An inner surfaceof the peripheral wall 24 includes a pair of wells 32 extending therein.Each of the wells 32 is positioned generally adjacent to the second end29 of the tubular member 27. The wells 32 are positioned generallyopposed to each other.

[0038] A pair of flanges 34 is integrally coupled to and extendingoutwardly away from the peripheral wall 24 of each of the handle membersections 25. Each of the flanges 34 is positioned generally adjacent tothe first end 28 of tubular member 27. Each of the flanges 34 ispositioned to releasably engage one of the wells 32. The flanges 34being positioned in the wells 32 maintains the handle member in anextended position.

[0039] An absorbent member 40 for absorbing the solution from thechamber 18 through each of the holes 19 in the bottom wall 16. Theabsorbent member 40 is securably attached to an outer surface of thebottom wall 16. The absorbent member 40 comprises a sponge or anabsorbent synthetic material such as foam.

[0040] To prevent the absorbent member 40 from drying out there is acovering means 50 for covering the absorbent member 40. The coveringmeans 50 includes a panel 52 having a perimeter wall 54 integrallycoupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom such that the coveringmeans 50 has an open top side. The covering means 50 includes a shapedesigned for removably receiving the head member 12. The covering means50 comprises a substantially rigid material such as plastic.

[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention there is acylinder 60 designed for placing the solution in the chamber 18 of thehead portion 12. The cylinder 60 includes a first end 62, a second end64 and a peripheral wall 66 extending therebetween. The first end 62 isintegrally coupled to the second end 14 of the head portion 12. Thesecond end 64 of the cylinder 60 includes an opening 67 extendingtherein. The opening 67 extends from the second end 64 of the cylinder60 into the chamber 18. The peripheral wall 66 of the cylinder 60includes a plurality of threads 68 therein.

[0042] A covering means 70 for covering the second end 64 of thecylinder 60. The covering means 70 includes a base wall 71 and anannular wall 72 integrally coupled thereto extending upwardly therefrom.The annular wall 72 includes a plurality of threads 73 extendingtherein. Each of the threads 66 of the cylinder 60 is designed forreleasably engaging each of the threads 73 of the covering means 70. Thecovering means comprises a cap.

[0043] In this embodiment the absorbent member 40 may be replaceable dueto wear. The absorbent member 40 in this embodiment includes a bottomwall 42 and a perimeter wall 44 integrally coupled thereto and extendingupwardly therefrom. The absorbent member 40 is releasably coupled to thehead portion 12. An upper surface of the absorbent member 40 includes awell 46 extending therein. The well 46 is adapted for fluidly receivingthe solution and dispersing it throughout the absorbent member 40.

[0044] There is a plurality of fastening means 47 for fastening theabsorbent member 40 to the head portion 12. Each of said fastening means48 is securably attached to a free end 48 of the perimeter wall 44 ofthe absorbent member 40. The fastening means are designed for releasablyengaging a perimeter groove 49 of the head portion. Each of thefastening means 47 comprising a clip.

[0045] In use, a solution is either already positioned in the chamber 18of the head portion 12 or is poured into the chamber 18 through thecylinder 60. Once the solution is placed into the chamber 18 a user mayextend the handle member 20 to the length desired. The user thenmassages the absorbent member 40 on the body until the solution beginsto be applied to the skin.

[0046] As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operationof the present invention, the same should be apparent from the abovedescription. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the mannerof usage and operation will be provided.

[0047] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realizedthat the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of theinvention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form,function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readilyapparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalentrelationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in thespecification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0048] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only ofthe principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modificationsand changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is notdesired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operationshown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of theinvention.

I claim:
 1. An application device for applying lotions and creams on abody of a user, said device comprising: a head portion, said headportion having a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall andperipheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between said top andbottom walls such that a chamber is defined, a solution being positionedin said chamber, said bottom wall having a plurality of holes extendingtherethrough; a handle member, said handle member having a first end, asecond end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween, said first endof said handle member being integrally coupled to a central portion ofsaid top wall; and an absorbent member for absorbing the solution fromsaid chamber through each of said holes in said bottom wall, saidabsorbent member being securably attached to an outer surface of saidbottom.
 2. The application device of claim 1, wherein said handle memberfurther comprises: said handle member being telescoping such that aplurality of handle member sections are defined, wherein each of saidsections is extendably positionable in one of an adjacent sections, eachof said sections comprising; a tubular member having a first end and asecond end, said second end having an opening extending therein, aninner surface of said peripheral wall having a pair of wells extendingtherein, each of said wells being positioned generally adjacent to saidsecond end of said tubular member, said wells being opposed to eachother; and a pair of flanges integrally coupled to and extendingoutwardly away from said peripheral wall of each of said handle membersections, each of said flanges being positioned generally adjacent tosaid first end of tubular member, each of said flanges being positionedto releasably engage one of said wells.
 3. The application device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a covering means for covering saidabsorbent member.
 4. The application device of claim 3, wherein saidcovering means further comprises: said covering means including a panel,said panel having a perimeter wall integrally coupled thereto andextending upwardly therefrom such that said covering means has an opentop side, said covering means having a shape adapted for removablyreceiving said head member.
 5. A application device for applying lotionsand creams on a body of a user, said device comprising: a head portion,said head portion having a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottomwall and peripheral edge integrally coupled to and extending betweensaid top and bottom walls such that a chamber is defined, said bottomwall having a plurality of holes extending therethrough, said peripheraledge having a peripheral groove extending therein; a cylinder adaptedfor placing a solution in said chamber of said head portion, saidcylinder having a first end, a second end and a peripheral wallextending therebetween, said first end being integrally coupled to saidsecond end of said head portion; a handle member, said handle memberhaving a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall extendingtherebetween, said first end of said handle member being integrallycoupled to a central portion of said top wall; an absorbent member, saidabsorbent member having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall integrallycoupled thereto and extending upwardly therefrom, said absorbent memberbeing releasably coupled to said head portion; and a plurality offastening means for fastening said absorbent member to said headportion, each of said fastening means being securably attached to a freeend of said perimeter wall of said absorbent member.
 6. The applicationdevice of claim 5, wherein said cylinder further comprises: said secondend of said cylinder having an opening extending therein and into saidchamber, said peripheral wall of said cylinder having a plurality ofthreads therein; and a covering means for covering said second end ofsaid cylinder, said covering means having a base wall and an annularwall integrally coupled thereto extending upwardly therefrom , saidannular wall having a plurality of threads extending therein, each ofsaid threads of said cylinder being adapted for releasably engaging eachof said threads of said covering means, said covering means comprising acap.
 7. The application device of claim 5, wherein said handle memberfurther comprising: said handle member being telescoping such that aplurality of handle member sections are defined, wherein each of saidsections is extendably positionable in one of an adjacent sections, eachof said handle member sections comprising; a tubular member having afirst end and a second end, said second end of said tubular memberhaving an opening extending therein, an inner surface of said peripheralwall having a pair of wells extending therein, each of said wells beingpositioned generally adjacent to said second end of said tubular member,said wells being opposed to each other; and a pair of flanges integrallycoupled to and extending outwardly away from said peripheral wall ofeach of said handle member sections, each of said flanges beingpositioned generally adjacent to said first end of tubular member, eachof said flanges being positioned to releasably engage one of said wells.8. The application device of claim 5, wherein each of said fasteningmeans further comprises: each of said fastening means comprising a clipmember.
 9. The application device of claim 5, wherein said absorbentmember further comprising: said absorbent member having a well extendingin an upper surface of said bottom wall, said well being adapted forfluidly receiving the solution.
 10. The application device of claim 5,further comprising: a covering means for covering said absorbent member.11. The application device of claim 10, wherein said covering meansfurther comprises: said covering means including a panel, said panelhaving a perimeter wall integrally coupled thereto and extendingupwardly therefrom such that said covering means has an open top side,said covering means having a shape adapted for removably receiving saidhead member.
 12. A application device for applying lotions and creams ona body of a user, said device comprising: a head portion, said headportion having a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall andperipheral edge integrally coupled to and extending between said to andbottom walls such that a chamber is defined, a solution being positionedin said chamber, said bottom wall having a plurality of holes extendingtherethrough, said peripheral edge tapering from said second end to saidfirst end; a handle member, said handle member having a first end, asecond end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween, said first endof said handle member being integrally coupled to a central portion ofsaid top wall, said handle member being telescoping such that aplurality of handle member sections are defined, wherein each of saidsections is extendably positionable in one of an adjacent sections, eachof said sections comprising; a tubular member having a first end and asecond end, said second end having an opening extending therein, aninner surface of said peripheral wall having a pair of wells extendingtherein, each of said wells being positioned generally adjacent to saidsecond end of said tubular member, said wells being opposed to eachother; a pair of flanges integrally coupled to and extending outwardlyaway from said peripheral wall of each of said handle member sections,each of said flanges being positioned generally adjacent to said firstend of tubular member, each of said flanges being positioned toreleasably engage one of said wells; an absorbent member for absorbingthe solution from said chamber through each of said holes in said bottomwall, said absorbent member being securably attached to an outer surfaceof said bottom wall, said absorbent member comprising a sponge; and acovering means for covering said absorbent member, said covering meansincluding a panel, said panel having a perimeter wall integrally coupledthereto and extending upwardly therefrom such that said covering meanshas an open top side, said covering means having a shape adapted forremovably receiving said head member.